AI Regulation for Mental Health Tools: At the G20 Social Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, a world-first regulatory framework for artificial intelligence tools used in mental health care. This initiative, led by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority with partners PATH and Wellcome, aims to ensure AI tools (from therapy bots to diagnostic aids) are safe, inclusive, and effective before public use — making South Africa a leader in techno-health innovation. �
Major Care Gaps Persist: Despite policies, up to 92% of South Africans with mental illness still don’t receive treatment, and access challenges remain a central concern in the healthcare system. �
SASOP
Policy Attention on the Horizon: The Africa CDC’s Mental Health Leadership Programme — a continental effort to build public health leadership in mental health — includes South Africa in its focus on training advocates and leaders. �
Africa CDC
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